News:
January 2016

Supporting nature amongst Teesside industry

Since 2011, PD Ports has been involved with the country’s largest nature conservation charity, the RSPB, and this year has pledged further support.

PD Ports engaged with local nature reserve, RSPB Saltholme, which thrives in the midst of industry near Seal Sands, over five years ago. Due to its proximity to the River Tees and the Ports of Teesport and Hartlepool, PD Ports became a member of the RSPB. PD Ports helps to raise awareness in the area, support the continued preservation of the site and the protection of birds and other wildlife.

Throughout the years, PD Ports has been involved in a number of activities with the RSPB. During 2012, a project was undertaken that involved using unneeded ground material to create a natural viewing point for the reserve. Named the ‘Jubilee Viewpoint’ for the year of the Queen’s Jubilee, at the top, a glass compass art piece was installed to highlight the great sites and industry surrounding Saltholme. In 2014, PD Ports named their newest pilot vessel after the nature reserve.

Kirsten Donkin, PD Ports’ PR and Communications Manager, commented: “Over the five years that we’ve been members of the RSPB, we’ve been happy to provide our support to the charity and encourage our employees and stakeholders to visit the local nature reserve.

“Supporting activities to preserve the environment and help tackle environmental issues is very much in line with our values as a responsible business. This year we will continue our engagement with the RSPB and look to expand our involvement across our other locations throughout PD Ports.”

Dave Braithwaite, RSPB Saltholme Site Manager, said: “The relationship with PD Ports has all been positive; we have seen many of its employees and its families enjoying our fabulous wetland nature reserve and visitor centre. The work to create the `Jubilee Viewpoint` that PD Ports funded, makes a real difference to the visitor experience; giving a wonderful panorama over the reedbeds, lakes, pools and grasslands. We were filled with pride when PD Ports named the newest addition to their pilot cutter fleet `Saltholme`. I am delighted that the port authority is wishing to continue its support for our important work to give nature a home on Teesside that is enjoyed by so many visitors.